Southbridge DPW chief resigns, heading to the Cape

SOUTHBRIDGE 
After more than two years in the job, Department of Public Works Director Thomas E. Daley resigned Friday to take a similar position in Orleans.

“I didn't want to leave, but for personal reasons, I needed to look for more financial benefits,” said Mr. Daley, whose approximately $99,000 annual salary here rose to more than $101,000 with a gas stipend.

He said Town Manager Christopher Clark was one of the best managers with whom he has ever worked, and the public works staff was outstanding.

“The town is very fortunate to have the people working for them that they have,” he said.

Mr. Clark returned the compliment.

“It's a real loss for the town of Southbridge to lose such a valuable person. But our loss is Orleans' gain, and hopefully we get lucky again and can find someone like him to replace him,” Mr. Clark said

Mr. Daley said his significant accomplishments were starting the technically challenging but successful chloramine drinking water program, the internal design and construction of two rail trail bridges, and working with Mr. Clark on designing lots to be sold at the environmental industrial park.

He also cited the in-house design and supervision of several road projects, including Torrey Road and Charlton Street. Work on Eastford Road and Lebanon Hill was difficult and turned out well, he said.

In addition, using town workers to connect a water line from Commercial Drive to Jim's Flying Diner at the municipal airport saved taxpayers “hundreds of thousands” and allows the diner to reopen this season, Mr. Daley said.

That work is wrapping up now. The state Department of Environmental Protection deemed the diner a public drinking supply and had ordered that it come off of a private well.

During his final day, Mr. Daley said he was wrapping up the design for a new septic system for the diner.

He said he was also proud of a draft pavement-management program that his successor only needed “button up and (put) out the door.”